The trip to the Place Moulin dam, a work of European importance, is within everyone's reach because it is possible to arrive by car as far as the reservoir. The upper Bionaz valley saw its landscape radically change between 1961 and 1965 due to the construction of the enormous Place Moulin dam. The dam created Lake Prarayer, an artificial reservoir closed between the mountains. In the background you can see the Petites and les Grandes Murailles with their imposing glaciers. It is the largest water basin in the Valle d'Aosta region and one of the largest dams in Europe. Here are some data to understand its impressive appearance: the dam is 155 meters high and 678 meters long the maximum thickness at the base of the barrage is 47 meters while it is 6 meters at the top the volume of the dam is 1,510,000 cubic meters of concrete the maximum level reached by the water is 1,969 m above sea level the capacity of the dam is 105 million cubic meters. The plant can be freely visited outside, but upon reservation it is possible to take a guided tour inside in the period from May to September. The barrier can be inspected on several levels, which also descend under the waters of the lake and are connected to each other by stairs and an elevator. Inside there are numerous machinery and equipment, related both to the operation of the dam and to the control of safety conditions. The lake of Place Moulin is flanked by a dirt farm road closed to traffic: this route constitutes a flat and comfortable walk (1 hour walk) which, amidst steep rocks, waterfalls, meadows and woods, leads to the historic mountain pasture of Prarayer and the homonymous refuge.
In addition to being an impressive feat of engineering, the views of the dam are remarkable, and the surrounding scenery is spectacular. Thanks for the share.
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